Emphasizing the need for action to end violence against women and girls, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and AAB College have organized a panel discussion on the topic “The role of academia in combating violence against women and girls, with a focus on femicide “.
The table was moderated by the vice-rector of AAB College Venera Llunji, where the guests were: Minister of Justice Albulena Haxhiu, acting Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Cornelia Taylor, advisor for Gender Issues in the OSCE Biljana Nastovska, chairperson of the Commission for Human Rights Duda Balje and Adelina Berisha from the NGO Women’s Network of Kosovo.
The rector of AAB College, Blerim Olluri, spoke in the role of the host, appreciating the organization of this round table, which proves the continuous commitment to these important issues.
“At AAB College, we are proud to host this roundtable discussion today as part of our ongoing commitment to these important issues. As an institution committed to academic excellence and social responsibility, AAB College has consistently served as a meeting place for dialogue, advocacy and action against gender-based violence. The hospitality for this activity reflects our unwavering commitment to bring change in society”, said Olluri.
The Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, mentioned the steps that have been taken so far to prevent this phenomenon, either through awareness of the society but also with legal punishments for the perpetrators of violence.
“We have assessed that institutions should take responsibility in relation to cases of domestic violence and gender-based violence. It is also everyone’s responsibility as a society to take action wherever we are and whatever role we have to address this phenomenon we are facing”, Haxhiu added, among other things.
Acting Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Cornelia Taylor, also shared numerous cases of gender-based and domestic violence during her experience. For the students of the Faculty of Law, she emphasized the role they have in the future and how they can help the victims of violence.
The Chairperson of the Commission for Human Rights, Duda Balje, focused on work and engagement during the drafting of the Law Against Domestic Violence, knowing the importance of its implementation and how through it the problems of society such as violence are addressed.
The table continued the discussions in the second session moderated by Gergana Vaklinova, Senior Advisor for Human and Community Rights in the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, as well as the participants: Adelina Berisha from the NGO Women’s Network in Kosovo, professor of the Law Faculty Ganimete Ismajli and the president of the Student Union at AAB Gent Anadolli.
The topics covered were: Gender-related killings of women and girls – an overview with a focus on prevention mechanisms; The role of academia in promoting zero tolerance against violence against women among generations of jurists; The importance of NGOs for women’s rights in the prevention of gender-based murders – cooperation with the justice and academia sectors; The role of young people in preventing violence against women, etc.
